Pochettino hopes Spurs learn well

TOTTENHAM manager Mauricio Pochettino has called on his side to learn from its victories against Manchester City and Chelsea as it prepares to face a stubborn West Brom at White Hart Lane tonight (10.30pm AEST).

"After Chelsea it's a great opportunity to show that we deserve it and to keep our momentum is key,” Pochettino said.

"I was pleased after Chelsea because it wasn't our best game but we were able to compete. That's what we missed a little bit last season, to compete better in some games.

"Today it's about maturity and learning from this period. It doesn't mean that we will win every game.

"It's important to show that maturity we did against Chelsea, that is important for trying to be more realistic and fighting for a bigger objective.”

After a good 2-0 win at home to City earlier in the season, Spurs had a bumpy spell in which they went seven games without a won.

They were also knocked out of the Champions League after a disappointing European campaign in which they struggled for form.

"Remember a few months ago after City, I think now it's a moment to show we learned,” Pochettino said.

"We have in front a very tough game and we need to show that we learned from a few months ago.

"If you remember we dropped our performance a bit after a fantastic victory.”

But in 12 games since bouncing back, Spurs have lost just three times in all competitions.

The side beat Aston Villa last week, securing a fourth-round FA cup tie with Wycombe Wanderers, but Pochettino admitted West Brom - which has forced 1-1 draws in its past three games - offers a stern test.

"It will be a difficult game,” he said.

"If you saw the games West Brom played against Chelsea or Arsenal, they were very well organised.

"We expect a very tough game and it's certain they will make it very difficult for us.

"They will put us in a very difficult situation without space to play - it will be difficult to find space to create a lot of chances.”​